After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the Ohio Northern University in 1949, Killian obtained a Masters degree in Education from the University at Buffalo, New York in 1954. The Ohio Northern University honored him in 1989 with a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Service.
Killian coached basketball teams of Wharton High School between 1949-1951 and Erie Community College, Buffalo, New York from 1954 to 1969. He was President of the international basketball federation International Basketball Federation between 1990-1998. Killian served also as treasurer of COPABA, Panamaerican Basketball Confederation and director of the NJCAA, National Junior College Athletic Association.
After presiding the United States delegation at the Universiades three times, Killian held office in FISU. Then, he was elected Vice President of FISU. In 1995, Killian was promoted to First Vice President.
On November 26, 1999, he was confirmed as FISU President by the Executive Committee succeeding late Doctor Primo Nebiolo. On August 5, 2007, Killian was reelected for a second full term as President of FISU by an overwhelming majority of the votes at FISU"s 30th General Assembly which was held in Bangkok, Thailand.
President of the International Basketball Federation (International Basketball Federation) – 1990-1998
President of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – 1977-1978
Board of Trustees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – 1969-2004
Inductee to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame – 2000
Awards:
Ohio Northern University Athletic Hall of Fame – 1979
NJCAA Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame – 1987
NJCAA Basketball Hall of Fame - 1988
John West. Bunn Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – 1989
Gold Medal Award from the Basketball Federation of Poland – 1998
Former Volunteer Positions:
Secretary/Treasurer – United States. Track and Field Federation
Board of Directors – United States. Gymnastics Federation, Basketball Federation of the United States of America, Amateur Basketball
Association of the United States of America, United States. Wrestling Federations
United States. Olympic Administrative Committee.
In 1996, he was member of the International Olympic Committee in his capacity as president of International Basketball Federation. He was member of the International Control Commission from 1975 to 1987. Member of the International Olympic Committee (International Olympic Committee) – 1996-1998.
